Database: Intensity of end-of-life care for California hospitals

The study analyzed the end-of-life experience of people over the age of 66 with one of nine chronic conditions who were enrolled in traditional (fee-for-service) Medicare. Rates are adjusted for age, sex, race and primary chronic condition.

HCI: "Hospital Care Intensity," measured by the number of days in the hospital and the number of doctor visits while hospitalized, last two years of life.

Medicare spending: Total Medicare spending, per patient, last two years of life

ICU days: Days in intensive care unit , per patient, last six months of life

Hospice days: Days in hospice, per patient

Physician visits: Number of different physicians seen, per patient, last six months of life